Priest
Lake is an ideal location for cyclists of all skill levels to enjoy
the challenges of mountains and the beauty of forests. The rider
can tackle 4,000'+ gut-wrenching, 'mountain goat' climbs to the peaks
on the east side of the Lake - or enjoy a leisurely ride on the Lakeshore
Trail complete with a picnic on an isolated Priest Lake beach on
the west side.In between these extremes, there are biking routes
and terrain of endless variety. Wherever you choose to bike at Priest
Lake, you will enjoy open spaces, clean air, and friendly natives.
USFS / State forest roads are very popular biking routes. These roads range from
well maintained to primitive with varying degrees of difficulty. Many of the
hiking trails maintained by the USFS are also open to mountain bikes. The Priest
Lake Trails pamphlet available at the USFS
Priest Lake Ranger District headquarters indicates which hiking trails are
open to biking. Other than this pamphlet, there are no designated mountain biking
routes in the Priest Lake area. This works to the advantage of the cyclist who
values running a route without competing for road/trail space with other cyclists.
However, it is always wise to carry a topographic map with you if you bike into
the backcountry. The best route information is often available from employees
of the Priest Lake resorts and other local recreation businesses. These local
riders are always willing to share trail information and provide you with tips
for biking the Priest.
Try the following link to a great website that details the trails in the
Priest Lake area and will put you in touch with others riding in the area.
Several
good routes, to include single-track loop trails, can be accessed immediately
from many of the resorts located around the Lake. Generally, the steepest terrain
is to the east and north of the Lake while the mountains to the west and south
of the Lake are more gradual, but still very challenging. For the occasional
riders, flatter terrain routes are also readily available. Some follow shoreline
segments while others track in the forests along the base of the many mountain
chains. For those new riders to the area, a great way to learn the trails and
have a fun day doing it, is to contact Four Seasons Sports for a guided mountain
bike tour tailored to your skills and desires.
So come on up to North Idaho and BIKE THE PRIEST! - Catch some air,
don't get bonked, climb a grinder, and enjoy a mach session!!
Priest
Lake is an ideal location for cyclists of all skill levels to enjoy
the challenges of mountains and the beauty of forests. The rider
can tackle 4,000'+ gut-wrenching, 'mountain goat' climbs to the peaks
on the east side of the Lake - or enjoy a leisurely ride on the Lakeshore
Trail complete with a picnic on an isolated Priest Lake beach on
the west side.In between these extremes, there are biking routes
and terrain of endless variety. Wherever you choose to bike at Priest
Lake, you will enjoy open spaces, clean air, and friendly natives. 
Several
good routes, to include single-track loop trails, can be accessed immediately
from many of the resorts located around the Lake. Generally, the steepest terrain
is to the east and north of the Lake while the mountains to the west and south
of the Lake are more gradual, but still very challenging. For the occasional
riders, flatter terrain routes are also readily available. Some follow shoreline
segments while others track in the forests along the base of the many mountain
chains. For those new riders to the area, a great way to learn the trails and
have a fun day doing it, is to contact Four Seasons Sports for a guided mountain
bike tour tailored to your skills and desires.